As we move towards the middle of December, you can start to hear the pitter-patter of tiny hooves. Sure, it starts off as a friendly encounter. “Ahhh…honey, see that adorable reindeer with the bright, shiny nose?” And, then, BAM! Rudolph comes charging at ya. No time to flee? Then, follow these words of wintry wisdom…
1. Stand your ground. Most reindeer have been bred to be docile livestock; they are sometimes referred to as “tundra cows.” They will run around, rather than over, a standing person, even when charging in a herd.
2. Watch for reindeer in rut. Reindeer mate from late August to October, when they will be in rut, or heat, and much more dangerous. Each male, or bull, will keep a harem of females and will become unpredictable and aggressive with any person who approaches. While both male and female reindeer have antlers, male reindeer are noticeably larger, weighing 400 pounds or more. During rut, necks on males will be large and swollen.
3. Watch for front-leg kicking. When disturbed, reindeer will rear up on the hind legs and kick out with the front hooves. Females are generally not dangerous except when defending calves. Stay well back and to the side to avoid being kicked. During rut, reindeer bulls will try to gore rather than kick, if antagonized.
4. Watch for antler display. Before goring, a male will often attempt to intimidate by showing, or “presenting,” its antlers, turning his head to the side. Be wary in approaching or cornering a bull reindeer during this display.
5. Back up slowly. Speak to the reindeer in a soft voice. Do not make any sudden movements.
6. Do not raise your arms over your head. The bull may take this as a challenge sign that you are also displaying antlers.
7. If the reindeer attempts to gore you, grab the antlers. Grasp one branch with each hand and attempt to steer the head away from you. If the reindeer tries to lunge forward, you may not be able to stop it, but guiding the antlers may allow you to redirect its charge.
8. Move to the side quickly as you release the antlers. The reindeer will now be beside you and may just move away. Do not run, or you will call attention to yourself. Carefully put distance between yourself and the reindeer.
9. Call for help. Using a voice and tone that does not further antagonize the reindeer, advise others in the area of your situation. They may be able to distract the reindeer, if it is still in pursuit.
10. Be Aware
• Caribou, which are much more aggressive and dangerous, are often mistaken for reindeer. Reindeer have shorter legs and are rounder.
• Male reindeer have huge antlers, with as many as 14 to 18 points per side.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I know of an old man from Bexley, OH who was attacked by a buck. It broke into his house when it saw it’s own reflection in his big picture window & charged. When the man heard the noise he rushed to see if it was burglar. The buck pinned him to a wall with its antlers (it could have punctured a lung). The man’s wife called 911. By the time the police got there they had managed to pen it in small bathroom. The police had to shoot it. Bexley is the Jewish neighborhood of Columbus. This guy had lived through the Holocaust & was nearly killed by a deer in his living room.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:07 am
I remember watching a program about someone who was actually attacked by a doe. I can’t recall what species it was, but you make the mistake of thinking deer are harmless.
The person ended up being taken away to hospital.
The doe was protecting its young, so she wasn’t harmed.